A longitudinal study of the influence of shift work on serum uric acid levels in workers at a telecommunications company

Abstract

Background: Hyperuricemia is a lifestyle-related disease. Although there have been many previous reports about the association of serum uric acid (UA) levels with lifestyle, including eating habits and alcohol intake, there has been no report of a longitudinal study of the relationship between serum UA levels and shift work. Aims: To clarify the influence of shift work on serum UA levels in Japanese workers. Methods: This was a 4-year cohort study of 15 871 workers at a telecommunications company. Pooled logistic regression analyses by sex were performed, with job schedule type, age, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle and the results of blood chemistries as covariates. Results: In males, shift work, part-time work, BMI, consumption of alcohol (less than twice per week, two to five times per week or more than five times per week) and little preference for vegetables were positively associated with the development of increased serum UA (≥ 8 mg/dl in males, ≥ 6 mg/dl in females). In females, age, BMI and a history of smoking were positively associated with the development of increased serum UA. Conclusion: This study revealed that shift work is independently related to increased serum UA in males. © 2006 Oxford University Press.